10 Best Running Belts – 2024 Buying Guide

They say size doesn't matter, but when it comes to the best waist pack for runners that just isn't true. For this type of running gear size is everything, but a lot depends on what you like to have with you while running, so be sure to look for a model that suits your needs. Some people for example, need little with them more than their keys and maybe an energy, so a small pack will fit them best. Other runners like to be ready for anything when they leave the house, so if that's you be sure to opt for a bigger pack that can hold not just keys and snacks, but your phone, more snacks, water, and cash or credit cards just in case you want to stop for a bagel and beer along the way.

You want to make sure the pack or belt can keep your essentials, so always look for the following storage features and adjust them to suit your needs:

Pocket space: In order to figure out whether there’s enough storage space for you, we suggest making a list of all things you plan on bringing while running and check if they would all fit inside. Don’t forget to think about your keys, ID, phone and headphones!

Bottle Security: You already know that staying hydrated should be always on your mind, so don’t forget to test the sturdiness of the bottle holders and ensure that they can keep your bottles secure and in place.

Comfort is something that is very important. You're not going to wear something that is uncomfortable to run in. You know how it goes, you see a product online or in the store that seems like it’s perfect for you and buy it. Then you use it only to find it’s just not comfortable. You put it in the closet or the garage, and never use it again. We want to help you avoid this money wasting fate, so we highly encourage you to buy a running waist pack that’s known for being comfortable. To this end we only chose packs for our list that have been proven comfortable, then ranked those select few to find the most comfortable of the comfortable.

Some of the comfort issues that typically come up with waist packs for running are chafing from rough fabric, or sliding up and down during your run. To address this we looked for packs that use quality fabrics and secure strapping systems. Some packs even have specially designed anti-bounce features. The comfort level of your running belt is obviously very important as well. It should not interfere with your running; in fact, you should be able to forget that you’re wearing it. This means that the perfect running belt should not bounce around and remain secure at all times.

There are many different types of waist packs and they all have slightly different qualities and features. Some come with extra features that not all of them have: water bottles or hydration bottle options, cellphone touchscreen access, hideaway stash pockets, waterproof material and more. As the point of a waist belt is to provide easy access to your valuables as well and liquids during your runs, it makes sense to expect to be able to do that using only one hand, easy access becomes a feature here as well.

There are different designs to make this possible. For example, some belts have brackets that keep water bottles firmly in place, while others have clips for them. Others have holster-looking bottle pockets that allow the runner to take the bottle out and put it back in without disrupting their running by having to open the main compartment. You can also choose whether you want to have your bottles on the sides, on the front, or on the back.

In the end the pack you choose should depend on what features are most important to you and that you actually need in the first place. There’s no sense spending more on a large pack loaded with features when all you really need is to be able to hold your keys and an energy gel or two.

Price shouldn't be the first thing you look at but we know it is still important. You don't want to buy the cheapest option because they probably won't last, and you don't want to buy something that is overpriced for the quality of materials given either. This is the special place where the rubber meets the road and the magical term 'value' comes into play. There will always be products that are cheaper and ones that are more expensive, but we recommend not going blindly for the cheapest option, nor should you assume that the most expensive one is the best or will be the best for you.

When thinking about the value of a product on our list always check the durability of the product you’re purchasing as this is one of the biggest factors when it comes to getting value for your money when it comes to running gear. Please remember that it’s very risky to go for a low-quality running belt just because it’s cheaper if you might need to replace it after a few months or weeks. Again, we recommend first looking at a product that meets your needs, no more and no less, and then considering the cost. Doing this will ensure you make a buying decision that you and your wallet are happy with in the long run. See what we did there? Long run. Because this is a website for runners.

We took into account the materials that these waistbands are made out of so that we could find ones that aren't bulky or made out of weak materials. It’s also important for a running waist pack to be made from materials that won’t chafe and irritate your skin if you decide to wear it against your skin, which many runners do from time to time. Most running packs are made of synthetic materials, but they differ in the features they offer. For example, belts made of mesh or knitted elastic allow for good ventilation without being bulky. Some others have better sweat absorption or heat regulation. Iit all just depends on what you’re looking for.

The belt’s padding is also very important. We recommend that you test a few different models to avoid ending up with a design or a material that doesn’t work for you. Another little tip is that if you’re skinny or otherwise have exposed hip bones to definitely be sure to buy a pack with a padded strap to avoid irritating this sensitive area of your body.

Finally, the right materials will help your pack last over the long haul, directly effecting other factors we looked at such as durability and value. Finally, for runners who live in especially humid and/or rainy environments or otherwise seem to find themselves regularly running in the rain, be sure to choose a pack that is made of waterproof or at the very least water-resistant material.